Gov. J.B. Pritzker says he is impressed with the way North Carolina Democrats have focused on rural communities, but in Illinois, more than 30 counties in rural areas have voted to split or separate from the state.

Whatley previously met with National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Tim Scott about a potential Senate run in North Carolina, and the NRSC had been floating Whatley as a possible replacement for Tillis since January, according to a GOP operative. Tillis did not announce his plans to not seek re-election until months later.